Patents by Inventor Darryl E. Helton

Darryl E. Helton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Assist method and apparatus for fitting close tolerance valves into bores
    Patent number: 5456007
    Abstract: A method for assembling a part, such as a spool valve into a bore of a body, such as a transmission valve body. A vacuum means creates suction within the bore in the direction of insertion of the spool valve. A gripper tool attached to a robotic arm supports the spool valve with a light vacuum pressure and maneuvers the spool valve, aligning it sufficiently close to allow the suction in the bore and gravity to pull the spool valve free of the suction of the gripper tool and into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Nelson D. Bove, Darryl E. Helton